SENATE PRESIDENT-ELECT DONNA MERCADO KIM Serving Hawai‘i’s Senate District 14 January 2013 Encompassing the following communities: Kapalama Alewa Kalihi Valley Ft. Shafter Moanalua Gardens Moanalua Valley Halawa Aiea Senator Donna Mercado Kim Selected as Senate President Senate Vice President Donna Mercado Kim (Sen. District 14) has been selected as the President of the Senate and will preside during the 27th Hawaii State Legislature, which will convene on January 16, 2013. Senator Ronald D. Kouchi (Sen. District 8) will serve as Senate Vice President. Senator David Ige (Sen. District 16) will continue as Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, with Senator Michelle Kidani (Sen. District 18) serving as his Vice Chair. On Dec. 27, 2012, former state Senate President Shan S. Tsutsui accepted the position of Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, effective immediately under the order of succession. The office was vacated on Dec. 26, 2012 by the appointment of former Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to the U.S. Senate. The Senate acted quickly to organize after Maui State Senator Shan Tsutsui (Sen. District 5) took the oath of office as Lieutenant Governor yesterday. The Senate line up remains mostly intact to allow members continuity in their committee work as the Senate has been preparing for the upcoming session. "We are solidified in dealing with the pressing issues facing our State. The Senate continues to be organized in a cooperative and focused manner. I’m humbled to receive the confidence and support of my colleagues" said Senate President Kim. "We reached an agreement quickly so that we can continue to focus our attention on the issues and begin preparations for the 2013 session," said Senate Vice President Kouchi. A Final Farewell to Senator Daniel K. Inouye JAN. 2013 Members of the Hawaii State Legislature and the public gathered at the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda on December 22, 2012 to pay their final respects to Senator Daniel K. O KIM Inouye, an American hero who inspired many across the nation with his integrity and compassion. Members of the public visited the Hawaii State Capitol until midnight as to express their fond aloha to the great Senator. On December 20, 2012 Senator Inouye received the rare honor of lying in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Senator Inouye passed away on December 17 at the age of 88. He was the most senior member of the U.S. Senate and the President Pro-Tempore -- third in line to the presidency. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1962 and was serving his ninth consecutive term when he died. SENATOR DONNA MERCAD Twenty-Seventh Legislature Convenes January 16 The Twenty-Seventh Hawaii State Legislature will convene at the State Capitol on January 16. An opening day ceremony will take place at the Senate Chambers at 10:00 am. To kick off the inauguration, entertainment will include a performance by Brother Nolan and various other performances. Following the ceremony, the community is invited to stop by Senator Kim’s office to enjoy some local sweet treats. Aiea Pearl City Town Meeting Public Access Room Traffic & Transportation Issues Did you ever wonder how a bill gets Thursday, January 17, 2013 passed? Have you ever wished you could have given testimony on a bill? 7:00—8:30 PM Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria If you want to get involved in the legisla- tive process, the Public Access Room (PAR) is a great Join Aiea/Pearl City legislators to get an up- resource. Located on the 4th floor at the Hawaii State Capitol, date on current and upcoming State and City PAR helps the public with all types of questions associ- transportation projects impacting our commu- ated with the legislative process. There are workshops nity. and tutorials, and staff can answer any questions about the process of submitting your testimony. For additional information, call 586-8455 STATE CAPITOL 415 South Beretania St., Room 401 Contact Us Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808) 587-0478 Hawai‘i State Capitol Room 409 Email: [email protected] Phone: (808) 587-7200 HOURS: Fax: (808) 587-7205 M-F 8am—6 pm, Sat 8am—2 pm (Session) Email: [email protected] M-F 9 am—5 pm (Interim) .